You benefit from the extensive skills of our staff team. Youth ASCEND is led by its Director, Kathy Haras.

Kathy Haras is the Director of Programs, Training, & Research at Adventureworks! Associates, Inc. Kathy has a Ph.D. in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences from Texas A&M University. Her doctoral dissertation combined youth development and adventure programming to explore new approaches for adventure program design. She brings over 12 years of experience in adventure programming and youth development including program design, delivery, and evaluation. She has facilitated programs for youth from at-risk environments, young people with disabilities, police, staff from social service agencies, and Olympic Athletes.